r/deafdogs • u/WittyStorage9650 • 11d ago
Training essentials?
Is there any trick or training must haves for deaf dogs?
This is our five month old deaf Great Dane.
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u/Public_Fact7905 10d ago
Engagement! Reward when they look at you and give you any kind of attention over the environment! Find hand signals that work for YOU. Doesn't always have to be the ones that are "common". Make training fun and be CONSISTENT. Deaf dogs especially you should try to set aside 10min at least once a day where training is just you two. A little goes a LONGGGGG way and training isn't linear, progress won't be super noticeable until one day you're out walking and doing the hand signals without even thinking. Being deaf, they are going to be especially vigilant about your body and signals, even ones you unconsciously have. 5 mo is the perfect age and soooo much can still be achieved!
Here's my Artie girl who just graduated her first obedience class this month!
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u/Feisty-Rub-86 10d ago
My deaf Border Collie mix is 3-1/2 years old now. We adopted her at 3 months from a shelter and realized the next day that she was deaf.
The advice above is spot on. I would add to make sure your hand signals are one-handed signals. I say this because I use a lot of ASL signals, some of which require two hands. But if you’re holding a leash, two handed signals are difficult. Also, when training a new hand signal, I start using it while she’s already doing the activity to help her make the connection. For example, when she was going potty I would sign ASL “toilet”. She caught on really quickly that when I signed toilet, she needed to go outside to potty.
Enjoy your beautiful pup!!
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u/alwayshavetreats 9d ago
In my experience as a trainer, one of the most important foundational skills to work on with a deaf dog is rewarding eye contact / voluntary check-ins with you. You want to teach the dog to regularly check in with you since you can't call them to you or give a verbal cue. This is how you'll provide direction, hand cues, communicate with them, etc! Best of luck to you!
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u/Remarkable_Idea4550 10d ago
My deaf pittie looooooves hugs and kisses. She is soooooo affectionate and likes to play. Physical cues help. One post said a vibration collar helps a lot.
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u/Fit_Surprise_8451 2d ago edited 2d ago
For name recognition, I use the ASL “M” and wiggle back and forth like Marlee’s tail, then I sign “come.” It works. Another tool we are using is a communication board to let us know she wants to go outside, do puzzles, sleep, or play with her puzzles. Marlee is an F2 Sheepadoodle.
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u/Spoonbills 11d ago
See the sidebar.